Crime World

He is one of Scotland’s most notorious gangsters with a colourful yet incredibly violent past. So who was Paul ‘The Wee Man’ Ferris and what has he said about his journey into the dark heart of the Scottish underworld? This episode is produced by Jenny Friel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story of gangland witness Joey O'Callaghan has made it to the stage where it's already getting rave reviews. Niall speaks to Nicola about Rex Ryan's one-man show, how he captures Joey's story, and what inspired her to write The Witness all those years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cartel boss Sean McGovern is taking a case against the Irish Prison Service saying the nature of his incarceration is damaging for his mental health. The man described as Daniel Kinahan’s number two is taking a judicial review as he believes there is no reason he cannot mix with the general prison population and isn’t happy with where he is currently housed. Nicola speaks with Niall Donald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Leen has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to a €32 million seizure of crystal meth at Cork Port. The Kerry native will appear again in court on Monday at the Special Criminal Court where his trial is soon to get underway. Nicola speaks with Niall Donald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A security breach is under investigation in Portlaoise Prison after Daniel Kinahan managed to speak to his former landing mate Ali Mazidi in hospital. Kinahan was in the gym with Mazidi last month when the Iranian took a heart attack, the alleged Cartel boss helped keep him alive as medical assistance arrived. Nicola talks with Niall Donald about the phone call and how it happened. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three men convicted of raping a woman lured from a Dublin nightclub to a car and later brought to a house in South Dublin are appealing their convictions. Anthony Hickey, Fabio Vincente, and Matin Zolfaghari argue that their victim should not have given evidence behind a screen and say the judge erred is his charge to the jury. Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about the case and the grounds of appeal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The horrors of Ireland’s last witch trial will be brought to life by former State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy in a new documentary to be screened over Halloween. Dr Cassidy goes back in time to 1711 when eight women living in the close knit community of Islandmagee were accused of witch-craft, tried, jailed and stoned. Nicola talks with Marie about the fascinating story and the modern investigative skills she brought with her to tell it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sharon Lynn and Brian Gallagher both had their lives turned upside down in a second when they lost a brother to separate, violent, unprovoked one-punch attacks. Today, Niall talks to Sharon and Brian about their campaign for changes in sentencing and why they believe we can learn from Australia's Coward Punch initiative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veteran criminal John Gilligan is facing more than 11 years in prison for drug and gun charges. An indictment presented to a court in the Costa Blanca heard the 74-year-old was arrested in a villa with ketamine, cocaine and marijuana along with a firearm. Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about the pensioner and what trouble he faces in Spain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christa Pike has spent 30 years on Tennessee's death row and last month made international headlines when her execution by lethal injection was botched. Her life is a story of childhood abuse, a brutal murder, and how claims of Satanism led to her conviction. Eamon Dillon speaks to documentary maker Steve Payne, who was part of a crew that interviewed her shortly after she was sentenced to death in 1995. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregory Fox, who brutally murdered his wife and two sons has been moved to an open prison as he gets one step closer to freedom. Fox, who is originally from Clondalkin in Dublin, killed his wife Debbie, 30, and sons Trevor, nine, and seven-year-old Killian, in July 2001. It is understood the killer was moved to Shelton Abbey in Co Wicklow this summer as part of his sentence management set out by the Parole Board. Crime World's Caoimhe Young talks to Criminal Justice academic Clare Laxton about Fox and his move to Shelton Abbey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A man once branded Ireland’s most dangerous teenager is finally ready to face justice for the murder of a harmless addict committed 16 years ago. Kurt Ryan pleaded guilty in relation to the murder of Lee Slattery, who was shot twice at close range and buried in a shallow grave in Limerick in 2010. Ryan smirked as a court heard he’d pleaded guilty to lesser charges after originally going on trial for murder. Nicola talks to Niall Donald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gangland killer Nicky McConnell has vowed revenge after an innocent female relative was wrongly targeted in a case of drug debt intimidation. McConnell wants to identify who threw a petrol bomb destroying the car of his associate mistakingly believed to owe money. Nicola talks to Niall Donald about McConnell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The partner of jailed Hennessey brother Jason Hennessey Jnr has been refused an application to have two motorbikes seized by gardaí returned to her. Kayleigh McEntee claimed the bikes had been gifted to her partner by his murdered father and said she now needed to sell them to buy Christmas presents. Hennessey Jnr is serving an eight-and-a-half-year sentence for his role in the kidnap and torture of Barry Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two people appear in court after Waterford City buries its dead - a family killed as debate rages over the increase in drug debt intimidation. So what is the state of the criminal underworld where life is cheap and money is king? Nicola speaks with Niall Donald about a cultural shift which is shocking the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A woman who stabbed her ex-partner to death while serving a suspended sentence for a pickaxe attack on his partner has been jailed for life. Sabrina Kehoe was free to murder Darren Quigley after being allowed to walk out of court despite admitting to breaking into his house and attacking his sleeping girlfriend. Niall talks to to Crime World’s Patrick O’Connell about Kehoe’s violent past and the devastation she has left behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A cheeky TikTok video posted by a convicted murderer behind bars in prison in Northern Ireland mocking the Justice Minister Naomi Long has led to a crackdown on phones behind bars. Weeks after Encrochat convict Dessie Enfield was caught trying to smuggle a phone into custody, killer Sean Anderson’s public posting has focused attention on the use of smartphones. Nicola speaks to Crime World's Steven Moore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A former gangster's moll Ciara Mahony has pleaded guilty to her role in the murder of Jamie Tighe-Ennis, admitting that she met and spoke with him on the night he was shot dead. Mahony is due to be sentenced in the coming weeks for facilitating the murder of Ennis, who was shot dead in 2017. Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about Mahony and the gangland men in her past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bail hearing for murder accused Paul Drew has heard that the PSNI case against him will claim he gloated about the shooting of Robbie Lawlor with co-accused Jonathan Gill and laughed about the arrest of the wrong suspects in the immediate aftermath of his death. Drew was refused bail in Belfast but a court heard messages which the PSNI claim were sent and which were received by him on an Encrochat phone. Nicola speaks with Niall Donald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s three decades since the Criminal Assets Bureau started to follow the dirty money trail into the homes and the pockets of some of Ireland’s most prolific criminals. From old school bank robbers to modern day cocaine cowboys, the Bureau has pursued homes, cash, luxury cars and even shoes which they identify as the profits of crime. In part three of our three-part special Dirty Money: Three Decades of the CAB, Nicola talks with Eamon Dillon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Donaldson received a 15 year sentence in prison for his crimes. He was given 11 years for rape against Victim B and four years for all offences against Victim A, to be served consecutively. The former MP and ex-DUP leader was sentenced in Newry Courthouse on Thursday morning. However, later on Thursday after the Lady Chief Justice confirmed Donaldson will actually walk free in seven-and-a-half years. That is because the crimes were committed before the law changed in 2008, so he will automatically be entitled to 50pc remission of his sentence. He was found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape, in June. Donaldson is trying to win an appeal, and his denials were an aggravating factor in the sentencing. However, as it stands, the 63-year-old will emerge from prison as a 78-year-old pensioner. Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Allison Morris outside Newry Crown Court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s three decades since the Criminal Assets Bureau started to follow the dirty money trail into the homes and the pockets of some of Ireland’s most prolific criminals. From old school bank robbers to modern day cocaine cowboys, the Bureau has pursued homes, cash, luxury cars and even shoes which they identify as the profits of crime. In part two of our three-part special Dirty Money: Three Decades of the CAB, Nicola talks with Eamon Dillon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s three decades since the Criminal Assets Bureau started to follow the dirty money trail into the homes and the pockets of some of Ireland’s most prolific criminals. From old school bank robbers to modern day cocaine cowboys, the Bureau has pursued homes, cash, luxury cars and even shoes which they identify as the profits of crime. In part one of our three-part special Dirty Money: Three Decades of the CAB, Nicola talks with Eamon Dillon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In July 2025, Maureen Slough travelled to Switzerland to end her own life, leaving her devastated family searching for answers. But what safeguards are in place at assisted dying clinics? And could grieving families find themselves facing criminal investigations? Denise Smith speaks to Megan Royal about her mother's death, the trauma left behind, and her fight for meaningful safeguards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gardai have carried out a series of raids targeting a drugs gang suspected of being involved in the horror arson attack that cost four lives in Waterford. Niall talks to Crime World’s Eimear Rabbitt about the progress in the investigation and the scourge of drug related intimidation gripping Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A violent feud has broken out between two West Dublin gangs after a massive haul of cocaine was stolen from a stash house. The dispute has seen arson attacks, shootings, savage assaults, and viable bombs being placed outside homes. Niall talks to Crime World's Ken Foy about how associates of convicted drugs trafficker Alan Boggans have been linked to the feud. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four innocent people including two children have been killed after their Waterford home was firebombed in the early hours of the morning. Niall talks to Crime World's Eimear Rabbitt about how the couple killed in the fire, Philip and Kim English, had previously been targeted by local criminals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He has been described as the most important man in Northern Ireland, an unelected influencer whose tentacles have gone all the way to the top of Unionist politics. Accused of lying under oath, Bryson an aspiring lawyer and advisor to the Orange Order’s campaign to march on the Garvaghy Road, Jamie Bryson has proved himself to be a divisive character who grabs headlines, enjoys the limelight but who also should not be underestimated or misunderstood. So who is Bryson, what is his background and what are his ambitions? Nicola speaks to Niall Donald as we profile a man who may be beaten but who will not be going away. This episode is produced by Jenny Friel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three more members of the so-called Encrochat Eight have been jailed for their roles in organised crime. Darran McConville, Jeffrey McClean, and Desmond Enfield were caught as part of the National Crime Agency’s Operation Venetic targeting the Europe wide illicit use of encrypted mobile phones. Nicola speaks to Niall Donald about their guilty pleas and the why the judge showed them some mercy when sentencing each for serious crimes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Kinahan's new lawyer Darragh Mackin came out fighting today, telling the Special Criminal Court the alleged cartel leader will fully contest the case and plans to apply for bail. Niall talks to Crime World's Jenny Friel about Kinahan's defence and the next steps in the state's case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trial of American Idol star Caleb Flynn for the brutal murder of his wife has gripped the US for weeks as it revealed details of the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect actions. Flynn's cold-blooded double life has echoes of one of Ireland's most infamous murderers: Joe O'Reilly. Niall speaks to Crime World's Jenny Friel about Flynn's trial and her dealings with Joe O'Reilly - including how he brought her on a tour of his home to show her where his wife Rachel had been killed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Gill's extradition for the murder of Robbie Lawlor is one step closer after another legal bid was rejected today. Niall speaks to Crime World's Eamon Dillon about how Gill will now try to go to the Supreme Court in a last-gasp chance to avoid being extradited. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A grandmother who has acted as a decoy for a pedophile hunter group that carries out online stings has hit out at claims they are vigilantes. Niall Donald speaks to Suzanne Plunkett, also known as Jess Hunter, about the controversial stings, how they affect her, and why she is proud of the work she does. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Mr Flashy enforcer Scott Capper has turned Tik Tok influencer since his release from jail posing with a Shetland pony amongst other content he is posting. Nicola talks with Niall Donald about Capper and his new found freedom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Encrochat convict Mark Dunford is desperate to make money behind bars as he serves a 10 year and six month sentence for his involvement in organised crime and drug dealing. But the 51-year-old is heavily in debt after pocketing funds from other criminals. Nicola talks with Steven Moore about the criminal and his prospects in prison. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gangland rapist Thomas O’Neill is recovering in hospital after being shot in the leg in Hyde Road in Limerick which was once the centre of the violent Dundon crime empire. Nicola talks Niall Donald. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was once known as the Right Honourable Sir Jeffrey Donaldson but is now known as inmate number E5032. Donaldson once proudly walked the corridors of Westminster, ate in fancy restaurants, and commanded media attention. But now he spends his days behind bars in Maghaberry, reading, doing jigsaws and doing art. The home in Dromore, in which he lived in with wife Eleanor, who was found to have aided and abetting child sexual abuse, has appeared on the market for a modest £650,000. Donaldson was convicted of 18 charges concerning child sexual abuse in June. Prosecution lawyers want him to serve at least ten years in prison. To talk about Donaldson’s new life, Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast. Telegraph’s Kurtis Reid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A convicted killer who was caught boozing by Crime World while on day release from jail has been put back in Mountjoy Prison. Niall speaks to Patrick O'Connell about how murderer Thomas Kennedy has landed himself in hot water with prison officials Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A judge has told lawyers acting for crystal meth accused James Leen that they must resolve a difficulty finding a data specialist to examine devices so the trial can get underway. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, presiding over the Special Criminal Court wants to hear from Leen’s legal team on Friday about who they have approached with a view of setting the trial date. Mr Leen of Pilgrim Hill, Kilmorna, Listowel, Co Kerry faces five charges including one for directing the activities of a criminal organisation between February 7, 2023 and February 16, 2024. The case relates to the seizure of 564kg of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, with an estimated value of €32.8 million from a container at Cork Port on February 16 last. Nicola speaks to Jenny Friel, who was in court. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The so-called European Super Cartel has been dismantled in what has been a decade long global fight against organised crime. So who are the next big name criminals in the Netherlands and Ireland and how are they doing business? Nicola and Niall talk to our colleague Jan Meuss of NRC in Amsterdam about the fallout from a cocaine gold rush and what we can expect next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cartel boss Daniel Kinahan gave an inmate CPR and helped save his life in Portlaoise Prison before his appearance at the Special Criminal Court today. The dramatic incident happened last week in the jail as he prepared for a brief appearance via video link. The court was told that Kinahan will attend in person next Monday when his new solicitor will come on record. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A trial is due to get underway today in the Special Criminal Court where James Leen will stand accused of his role in a crystal meth plot which saw a Kerry garden centre and the Sinaloa Cartel collide. Nicola speaks with Jenny Friel about Leen and the evidence expected at his trial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was once Daniel Kinahan’s biggest fan and a boxer on the brink of global success. But after a fight went wrong, leaving Billy Joe Saunders with a broken eye socket, he ended up involved in a shocking baby shower brawl after turning to drink and gaining a vast amount of weight. Spared jail in a UK court, he is due to make his ring comeback in December. But what were Saunders’ links to Kinahan, and why did he take the reputation of the mob boss so seriously? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Killer brothers Gary and Sean Anderson were virtual unknowns before they were convicted to life behind bars for the murder of a Derry man. But they hit the headlines in recent weeks when one did a runner after getting compassionate release for his father's funeral and the other did a mocking TikTok to Northern Ireland’s Justice Chief Naomi Long from his prison cell. Nicola speaks to Steven Moore about the Andersons and an escape plot that ended in a Donegal caravan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caged gangster Devon Hennessy’s partner has taken to social media to brand his younger brother Jason ‘a rat' as the fallout between the siblings continues to escalate. Niall speaks to Crime World’s Eimear Rabbitt about how there have been a series of incidents showing how the west Dublin brothers have had a serious split. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.